Ozone and Oxidative Therapy for Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot occurs when the highly contagious tinea pedis fungus contacts the skin. The fungus is picked up in warm, damp places such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms, and is a common, persistent infection of fungal growth on the feet.  Often the most affected area of the foot is between the toes, where it is especially warm and moist; however, it may also spread to the rest of the foot, increasing in area and severity.

 
At the first contact of athlete’s foot fungus, the infection may initially result in an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. The skin may become soft and extremely sensitive to the touch if the infection is allowed to flourish. In the most severe cases, the edges of the afflicted area will become white and the skin can peel away, creating a milky discharge.

 
Painfully large cracks may develop in the skin as athlete’s foot progresses in severity, making the body vulnerable to additional bacterial infections. Excessive scratching or tainted bedding and clothes may transmit the fungus to other parts of the body. Sufferers with severe forms of athlete’s foot may also contract what is known as “moccasin foot,” a rash that covers the bottom of the foot in the pattern of a shoe. The soles of the feet may become thick, rough and scaly.

 
Although there are many prescription medications, both oral and topical, that can be suggested to combat athlete’s foot, most are not without undesirable side effects. It is beneficial to use one of many natural remedies known to fight the bacteria and return your skin to a healthy state. Two similar courses of treatment are ozone and oxidative therapy.
 

Oxidative and ozone therapies have been used extensively by doctors to treat a wide range of health problems, such as vascular disease, cancer, viral diseases, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and spinal disc problems. Additionally, these therapies are effective treatments for infected wounds, burns and infections. Ozone and oxidative therapies are believed to be useful because they break down and eliminate toxins from the body by “burning” them through the process of oxidation. They also stimulate white blood cell production, increase delivery of oxygen to the cells, increase red blood cell flexibility and effectiveness and stimulate metabolism. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and fungus, many cities purify their drinking water with ozone.
 

Ozone therapy can be received in one of several ways, including intravenous injection and administered as an enema. For the treatment of athlete’s foot, the most effective application is that of the ozonated olive oil. This substance, available in many natural health stores, is made by bubbling ozone through olive oil for several days until it solidifies. Treating the area infected with athlete’s foot with ozonated olive oil is an effective way to reduce both the symptoms and prevalence of the infection.

 
Oxidation therapy is commonly administered via hydrogen peroxide. Because the body’s cells produce hydrogen peroxide as a first line of defense when confronted with bacteria, parasites and yeast, it is known as an effective and natural immune system booster. To treat athlete’s foot with oxidation therapy, a foot bath is the best application. It is wisest to use food grade hydrogen peroxide (35%) as the over the counter solution (3%) contains other chemicals and impurities that may adversely affect sensitive skin. Mix 2 ounces of the food grade type with warm water and soak feet for 30 minutes. If using the over the counter version, you will need nearly twelve times the hydrogen peroxide to make an equally effective solution. Repeat this treatment three to four times per week until the infection has cleared.

 
Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely safe and effective treatment for athlete’s foot when used with care. Because the pure form of the solution is highly toxic and dangerous, it is absolutely necessary to take care when using this home treatment by always diluting it correctly. When administered in proper amounts this form of treatment has shown great promise in the healing of many ailments, including athlete’s foot.

 
Because preventing athlete’s foot is typically much easier than curing it, it is wise to take some common sense precautions to lessen your exposure to the fungus. It is important to reduce the risk of exposure by wearing waterproof sandals or shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and any other warm damp place that may host tinea pedis. It is key to note, however, that the most important step you can take is to keep the feet dry, especially between the toes. Ensure that the environment in your socks is inhospitable to fungal growth. Socks that are made of cotton, wool, or other natural materials allow feet to breathe and remain dry. If your feet commonly sweat, see that your socks remain clean and dry, even if this means changing socks during the day. Choose shoes that are well ventilated and give them a chance to dry out before wearing them again. These significant precautions along with a carefully administered ozone or oxidative therapy should end the redness, itching, and burning that are common symptoms of athlete’s foot fungus.

Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Registered Dietitian
CEO - Fungus Research, L.L.C.